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Creation of a biological pacemaker by gene- or cell-based approaches

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Abstract

Cardiac rhythm-associated disorders are caused by mal-functions of impulse generation and conduction. Present therapies for the impulse generation span a wide array of approaches but remain largely palliative. The progress in the understanding of the biology of the diseases with related biological tools beckons for new approaches to provide better alternatives to the present routine. Here, we review the current state of the art in gene- and cell-based approaches to correct cardiac rhythm disturbances. These include genetic suppression of an ionic current, stem cell therapies, adult somatic cell-fusion approach, novel synthetic pacemaker channel, and creating a self-contained pacemaker activity in non-excitable cells. We then conclude by discussing advantages and disadvantages of the new possibilities.

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  1. Institute of Molecular Cardiobiology, Division of Cardiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 858 Ross Bldg, 720 Rutland Ave, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA

    Eduardo Marbán & Hee Cheol Cho

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  1. Eduardo Marbán
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Correspondence to Eduardo Marbán.

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Marbán, E., Cho, H.C. Creation of a biological pacemaker by gene- or cell-based approaches. Med Bio Eng Comput 45, 133–144 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11517-007-0165-2

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